"Because you are
good, and faithful, and not self-seeking." (300)
Title: The Captivating Lady CharlotteSeries: Regency Brides: A Legacy of Grace, Book 2
Author: Carolyn Miller
Publisher: Kregel Publications
Release Date: June 27, 2017
Genre: Inspirational Historical Fiction
Her heart is her own--but her hand in marriage is another matter
Lady Charlotte Featherington is destined for great things on the marriage market. After all, as the beautiful daughter of a marquess, she should have her pick of the eligible nobility hen she debuts. She, however, has love at the top of her list of marriageable attributes. And her romantic heart falls hard for one particularly dashing, attentive suitor. Sadly for Charlotte, her noble father intends her betrothed to be someone far more dull.
William Hartwell may be a duke, but he knows he was Charlotte's father's pick, not the young lady's own choice. And the captivating Lady Charlotte does not strike him as a woman who will be wooed by his wealth or title. While she has captured his heart, he has no idea how to win hers in return--and the betrayal and scandal his first wife put him through makes it difficult for him to believe that love can ever be trusted. His only hope is that Charlotte's sense of responsibility will win out over her romantic notions.
Can a widowed duke and a romantically inclined lady negotiate a future and discover love beyond duty? Will they be able to find healing and hope from the legacy of grace? Poignant and charming, this is another beautifully written, clean and wholesome Regency romance from Carolyn Miller.
Lady Charlotte Featherington is destined for great things on the marriage market. After all, as the beautiful daughter of a marquess, she should have her pick of the eligible nobility hen she debuts. She, however, has love at the top of her list of marriageable attributes. And her romantic heart falls hard for one particularly dashing, attentive suitor. Sadly for Charlotte, her noble father intends her betrothed to be someone far more dull.
William Hartwell may be a duke, but he knows he was Charlotte's father's pick, not the young lady's own choice. And the captivating Lady Charlotte does not strike him as a woman who will be wooed by his wealth or title. While she has captured his heart, he has no idea how to win hers in return--and the betrayal and scandal his first wife put him through makes it difficult for him to believe that love can ever be trusted. His only hope is that Charlotte's sense of responsibility will win out over her romantic notions.
Can a widowed duke and a romantically inclined lady negotiate a future and discover love beyond duty? Will they be able to find healing and hope from the legacy of grace? Poignant and charming, this is another beautifully written, clean and wholesome Regency romance from Carolyn Miller.
Another wonderful read by Carolyn Miller! Regency & gothic fans of Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights will want to pick up the next Legacy of Grace novel, The Captivating Lady Charlotte. I'm a little surprised only because the first book of the series, The Elusive Miss Ellison seems to have such a different vibe than this second one. Yet, the author's writing style is still evident. I'm not the biggest fan of the characters in this second installment, minus the reemergence of the main characters in book 1, Lavinia and Nicholas. I did get a kick out of this little assessment of Lavinia by Charlotte:
"She possessed a measure of grace that seem to permit her to smile and turn the other cheek, even as she must surely writhe inside." (9)
Despite not loving the characters, I find the this book captivating enough to overlook it completely, just like I did with Jane Eyre and Wuthering Heights. What stood out was, yes, the storyline, but it had more to do with the message of love that brewed and manifests through the pages.
"Real love perseveres through the hard times, never giving up. True love trusts." (303)
It's profound and with such depth that it stops you in your tracks after you turn the last page and contemplate a bit. I can tell you the sensitivity on this subject mixed with the boldness of one's courage in faith and hope, well, the author had me in awe. With that said, I look forward to Book 3, The Dishonorable Miss Delaney with quite the anticipation.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the author/publisher. I was not required to write a positive review, and have not been compensated for this. This is my honest opinion.
BOOKS OF THE REGENCY BRIDES: A LEGACY OF GRACE SERIES (Click on image to take you to my review or Amazon Affiliate Link)
Carolyn Miller lives in New South Wales, Australia, with her husband and four children. A longtime lover of Regency romance, Carolyn's novels have won a number of RWA and ACFW contests. She is a member of American Christian Fiction Writers and Australasian Christian Writers.
Awesome review, Annie! I love those Gothic stories! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great review. I didn't read The Ellusive Miss Ellison yet but read Captivating Lady Charlotte. I wasn't a huge fan of Charlotte or William at the beginning but, as the story unfolded, they grew on me....and they also matured, which was really nice to see. Ms. Miller's writing is so beautiful. I'm looking forward to the third book, though I will have to work very hard to like Miss DeLancey.
ReplyDeleteI loved the first book in this series and somehow missed this one being released. So glad you shared! :D
ReplyDeleteTressa @ Wishful Endings